Vince Stark of Farwell was awarded the “Clare County Veteran of the Year” by Veterans4USA. Stark served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956 after volunteering for the draft. Stark spent 13 months in Germany helping refuges flee from Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. He was attached to the 101st Airborne Division and remained in the Active Reserves until 1961. Stark continued to serve his community after his military service. He is a two-time Commander of the Clare-Farwell American Legion Post 558 and Quartermaster of the Farwell VFW Post. Stark also served many years as the Gilmore Township Supervisor. Stark and his wife, Linda, will celebrate 40 years of marriage this November 4th.
Veterans4USA is a local non-profit organization created and directed by Mike Rodgers. Their mission is to assist local veterans in a variety of ways including housing, relocation, needed items, food supplies, free haircuts and transportation. Veterans4USA have a special focus on Suicide Awareness calling attention to the 22 military veterans that commit suicide every day in our country.
When asked why he created this award, Rodgers said, “I just wanted people to be recognized for their service. We hear so much negative; we just need the positive.”
The award was presented at this year’s Music Jamboree “Vet’s Fest” held in Weidman, Michigan. For more information about Veterans4USA or to make a donation you may contact Mike Rodgers at 989-418-8797.
In the photo, Mike Rodgers is on the left and Vince Stark is on the right.”
Sunday, October 06, 2024
